Leadership opportunities for students

Finding ways to gain leadership experience during college can be valuable for students. CU Boulder offers many ways for your student to develop skills and gain experience for their resume. If your student is looking to get involved or become a leader on campus, here are some programs to match their interests and goals.

Join a leadership program

Many programs allow students to gain leadership experience and meet fellow Buffs.

• CU GOLD: Learn about leadership and improve skills.
• Journey Leader program: Help welcome new students and families to CU Boulder.
• Neighborhood Ambassadors: Serve as a leader assisting off-campus student tenants with their transition to living in off-campus housing.
• Resident Advisors (RA): Create an inclusive community and make a difference in Residence Life.
• Climate Justice Leadership Alliance: Develop and implement campus and community actions for climate justice.
• ASAP Tutor Mentor: Help students gain academic success through a paid tutoring and mentoring role.
• Career Services peer career advisors: Guide other students in their career planning journey through a paid position.

Participate on a student board or committee

Joining a student board or committee lets students use their voices and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities for your student to consider:

• Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for CU Boulder students.
• Cultural Events Board: Broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus, and promote student engagement with their platforms.
• CU Student Government (CUSG): Serve peers, make a difference and leave their mark at CU Boulder by participating in student government.
• Dean of Students Leadership & Values Council: Share ideas, counsel and feedback to campus leadership regarding issues that affect the student body.
• Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding options for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more.
• Rec Center Board: Promote plans, policies and improvements at the Recreation Centers on campus. 
• Student Health Board: Implement programs, provide information and connect students with resources to improve their health on and off campus.
• UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow leadership skills by helping the UMC fulfill its mission of enriching the campus experience.
• Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) Board: Advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs through policy-making, leadership and outreach.

Take on a leadership role in a club or organization

Most student organizations, fraternities and sororities have leadership roles for students to fill. These roles offer a chance to develop various skills and experiences your student can use well after their time at CU Boulder.

If your student isn’t involved with a group or organization, they can join one! With more than 500 student organizations, there’s something for everyone. They can browse BuffConnect to explore student groups by topic or participate in fraternity or sorority spring recruitment to take part in Greek life.

Volunteer in the community

Volunteering is a great way to be a leader on campus and in Boulder. Students can meet new people and make a positive difference in the community. Visit the Volunteer Resource Center to learn more and explore opportunities. Your student can attend the Spring Volunteer Fair on Feb. 7 from 1-5 p.m. in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom to meet with local organizations and learn more about opportunities. 

Leadership skills and experience can enhance your student’s resume for a job or internship search. Learn more about building skills through the Skills for Success program with Career Services.

You can encourage your student to get involved and use their time at CU Boulder to prepare for their next steps.